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Conoy Township in south-central Pennsylvania is warning motorists that its residents pack heat in an effort to deter crime. A dozen signs that declare “THIS IS NOT A GUN FREE ZONE,” have been erected on just about every major road ... more >

A rural township in south-central Pennsylvania is warning motorists that its residents pack heat in an effort to deter crime.

A dozen signs that declare “THIS IS NOT A GUN FREE ZONE” have been erected on just about every major road leading into Conoy Township, population 3,067. Three more signs are slated to go up soon, Fox News reported.

“I think even those who have bad intentions can read,” Stephen Mohr, one of the township supervisors, told Fox News. He said the town’s five supervisors unanimously decided to put up the signs.

“The first word on there is ‘Welcome’ … we have a lot here that we take pride in. What we’re telling people is that when they do come here, they should feel safer knowing that everyone in the township is watching out for them,” Mr. Mohr said. “And the criminal — he should realize that going into this township, he could have a bad day.”

Jonathan Hutson, a spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said the signs are unnecessary.

“These signs are silly, because the Second Amendment guarantees the right of law-abiding, responsible citizens anywhere to own guns in their homes,” he told Fox News. “As a matter of fact, no jurisdiction in America completely prohibits the carrying of guns in public.”

Mr. Mohr said the signs refer to the fact that the township government welcomes the carrying of guns in the belief it promotes safety.

“Those people that need to wake up and realize that the right to carry a gun in a lot of areas have already been curtailed,” he said, noting that other jurisdictions, including New York City, have required residents to show a “special need” in order to carry concealed weapons, Fox News reported.

At least one other U.S. town is considering adopting Conoy’s idea.

“If you were a thief breaking into homes and businesses, would you choose a city that openly endorses the ownership and training of guns to protect persons and property?” said Greenleaf, Idaho, Mayor Brad Holton, whose town will consider posting similar signs at a March city council meeting, Fox News reported.